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Slippery roadIreland

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Ireland

23. Slippery road

A slippery road has reduced tyre grip and can make steering, braking and acceleration less effective. Roads may become slippery because of rain, ice, snow, mud, oil, loose material or other substances on the surface. Drivers should reduce speed, increase their following distance and avoid sudden steering, braking or acceleration. Extra caution is needed in bends, on bridges and wherever the road surface changes unexpectedly.

Slippery road
Slippery-road warning sign on the N81. (Ireland)
Wikimedia.org • Sarah777 • CC0
What makes a road slippery?

A road can become slippery because of rain, ice, snow, mud, oil, loose material or other substances that reduce tyre grip.

How should you drive on a slippery road?

Reduce speed, increase your following distance and use smooth steering, braking and acceleration. Sudden movements can cause the tyres to lose grip.

Why does braking distance increase on a slippery road?

Reduced tyre grip means the tyres cannot generate as much braking force, so the vehicle may need a longer distance to slow down or stop.

Can a road be slippery even when it looks dry?

Yes. Oil, dust, loose material or a thin layer of ice can reduce grip even when the road does not appear obviously wet or slippery.

Are bends more dangerous on slippery roads?

Yes. Turning requires tyre grip, so a slippery surface can make it easier for the vehicle to skid or leave its intended path, especially at higher speeds.

What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid?

Stay calm and avoid sudden braking or steering. Make smooth corrections and allow the tyres to regain grip. The correct response can depend on the vehicle and its safety systems.

1 Ireland 2 Motorway 3 Residential area 4 Zone 5 Speed limit 6 Bike path 7 Pedestrian warning 8 Bridge 9 Speed bump 10 Toll road 11 Quay 12 Slope 13 Bus lane 14 Stop sign 15 Give way 16 Roundabout 17 Road narrowing 18 Pedestrian crossing 19 Railway crossing 20 Turn prohibition 21 School area 22 Crossing animals 23 Slippery road 24 Curve 25 Chevron 26 Wrong-way driving 27 Height limit 28 Weight limit 29 Radar speed sign 30 Priority at the next junction 31 Traffic lights warning 32 Pedestrian lights 33 Left-hand traffic 34 Driving licence 35 End of restriction 36 Parking 37 No parking 38 Reversing 39 U-turn 40 Hostel 41 Tourist attraction 42 Licence plate 43 Dangers 44 Cyclist 45 Bus 46 Police 47 Ambulance 48 Taxi 49 European emission standard 50 Pothole 51 Path 52 Particulates 53 Air pollution 54 Rush hour 55 Road code 56 2+2 Road 57 Street gutter 58 Cargo bike 59 Forestry vehicle 60 Construction vehicle 61 Semi-trailer truck 62 Trolleybus 63 Speed pedelec 64 Delivery vehicle 65 Idling 66 Tow truck 67 Four-wheel drive 68 Bicycle 69 Motorcycle equipment 70 Tram 71 Rail track 72 Caravan 73 Trailer 74 Tow hitch 75 Fire truck 76 Siren 77 Convoy 78 Emergency vehicle lighting 79 Agricultural machinery 80 Electric bicycle 81 Electric vehicle 82 Pedelec 83 Quadricycle 84 Microcar 85 All-terrain vehicle 86 Van 87 Recreational vehicle 88 Scooter 89 Trikke 90 Personal mobility device 91 Skateboard 92 Segway 93 Kick scooter 94 Roller skates 95 Mailman 96 Hitchhiker 97 Toddler 98 Child 99 Disability 100 Motorail ...